How Bergen Community College Students are Leading the Charge in the Health Care Workforce: The PACE Program’s Impact | ROI-NJ

Forty-four students have just graduated from Bergen Community College’s Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program. This initiative, backed by a $347,696 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor, aims to fill healthcare jobs in an industry that’s struggling with a workforce shortage.

The New Jersey Hospital Association predicts that by 2032, the state could face a shortfall of 80,000 healthcare workers. Bergen’s Division of Continuing Education oversees this vital program, which trains students to quickly enter the healthcare field.

Bergen’s Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Cinzia D’Iorio, expressed pride in the program’s impact. “The PACE grant has empowered us to serve students in our community while helping address critical employment gaps in health professions,” she stated.

Students receive hands-on training from experienced professionals, learning skills like EKG technology and phlebotomy. They also have the chance to earn certifications from the National Healthcareer Association, boosting their job prospects. Collaboration with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center opens up potential job opportunities for graduates as well.

Healthcare is a key employment sector in Bergen County. The college offers various credit and certificate programs to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Facilities include a state-of-the-art Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center, which features simulation labs and a fully equipped dental hygiene clinic.

Bergen Community College serves over 14,000 students across its campuses in Paramus, Hackensack, and Lyndhurst. This focus on healthcare education reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving industry.

In today’s world, with healthcare needs rising, programs like PACE are not just beneficial; they are essential. As industries adapt, training workers effectively becomes crucial. Enhancing job readiness helps not only students but the wider community as well.



Source link